Here we are in the fourth of six editions in 2019, the time seems to fly by faster and faster every year. Thinking of how fast time goes the release dates for 2020 can be found on page 41. Also on page 41 is the call for advertisers for the 2020 Prairie Hog Country calendar, book your banner ads today. Mentioning the calendar, even though the photo contest is complete, please feel free to send in more photos for a chance to be included in the 2020 PHC Calendar.
In Alberta, some areas have had so much rain. Fields with any low spots look like sloughs. We did have some heat so the appearance of golden yellow has started to turn.
Thanks to everybody who sent in their survey questionnaires, complete results can be found on page 36 & 37. Prairie Hog Country is proud to remain your number one choice for a hog magazine that includes coverage of Western Canadian news. All but two respondents agree Prairie Hog Country is a useful resource to your operation, with the two remaining stating sometimes. One hundred percent feel important to attend, exhibit and support trade shows. That is why Prairie Hog Country will continue to attend trade shows and have a booth presence. Ninety -one percent said advertisements do influence their purchasing decisions.
Speaking of trade shows Alberta Pork Congress was held in mid-June in Red Deer. There was solid attendance with many conversations buzzing around the room. Rick Bergman, chair of Canadian Pork Council, attended his first ever Alberta Pork Congress, it was handy to have him on site to squash any rumours about different extension dates for various provinces getting more time to meet sow housing requirements that are currently due by 2024.
Congratulations to the winners of awards, from best booth display (first to third Monitrol, Advanced Agri-Direct and Novid), to Olymel Reach for the Top (Food Safety: Twilight Colony. High Health: Fairville Colony. Core Weight: Fairville Colony. Core Lean: Vanderschee Farms. Grand Champion: Bentley Colony), to Farm Team (Kingdom Farms), Industry Ambassador (Pat Monaghan) and Lifetime Achievement (Stewart Watson). The first annual BBQ rib contest was a hit, and pouring rain could not dampen spirits. A quick move inside those of us in attendance were treated to different flavours of ribs, while listening to live music. Masterfeeds took Fan Favourite and Overall Winner was Fortified Nutrition. Thanks to all the sponsors for making this event possible.
We are at that time of year when many educational opportunities are available to help keep your farm team updated and educated. Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop is on October 23rd at Westerner Park (see ad on page 39), the full agenda is up on the Alberta Pork Website, registration now open. Then in November Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium in Saskatoon November 12 & 13, see the ad on page 35 for more details.
The Alberta Livestock Expo at Exhibition Place in Lethbridge October 9 & 10 has expanded its floor plan to accommodate more booths this year, which are selling fast. Don’t miss the hog carcass competition plus new for 2019 an added BBQ pork rib competition.
Brandon Hog & Livestock Expo will take place in Brandon December 11th, this show features the Pork Quality Competition.
As always, I am only a phone call or email away. Prairie Hog Country, Box 5536, Leduc, Alberta T9E 2A1, 780.986.0962, fax 780.980.9640 or email: hogcountry@shaw.ca
Talk to you in October. •